It’s been a heck of a week at BC ski resorts.

The pandemic has put the freeze on business, and record breaking cold temperatures forced some resorts to temporarily close lodges and lifts.

Nelson’s Whitewater Resort is one of them.

With the mercury dipping to -23 and winds of 100km forecast, the mountain closed half of its terrain Monday through Wednesday, and closed completely Thursday.

The wicked weather comes as the provincial government and the Canada West Ski Area Association (CWSAA) launched an education campaign to reduce COVID-19 transmission in ski communities like Whistler, Kamloops’ Sun Peaks, Rossland’s Red Mountain, Revelstoke, Invermere’s Panorama and Fernie.

Urging skiers and snowboarders to “be the reason we all have a ski season,” the province is aiming to help maintain economic spin-offs and bolster the physical and mental health of folks who have counted on snow sports to keep them spry and smiling.